The Star in the West

THE CUP 181 XXIV . An ecstasy to which no life responds , Is the enormous secret I have learned : When self-denial's furnace - flame has burned Through love , and all the agonizing bonds That hold the soul within its shell are turned To water weak ; Then may desires obtain the cypress crown they seek . It is only when we lose the cherished present , that it looms up through the mist of time as a glorious past ; and it is only when we have lost the body of corruption , that its soul rises sublime purifying all ; our personality purified by death the great Time Soul lies cradled in our own as the four lips of two lovers are in their bridal kiss . Alone by trampling life's grapes do we gain the vintage of the Soul , the Medean draught of rejuvenescence . The whole of this wonderful philosophy the poet sums up in the following two verses of extraordinary and extravagant power : XXVIII . Aubrey attained in sleep when he dreamt this Wonderful dream of women , tender child And harlot , naked all , in thousands piled On one hot writhing heap , his shameful kiss To shudder through them , with lithe limbs defiled To wade , to dip Down through the mass , caressed by every purple lip . XXIX . Choked with their reek and fume and bitter sweat His body perishes ; his life is drained ; The last sweet drop of nectar has not stained Another life ; his lips and limbs are wet With death - dews ! Ha ! The painter has attaine As high a meed As his who first begot sweet music on a reed .